Interplay of ideas and convivial atmosphere which characterised Federal Government and Rivers State discussions during the recent Vice President’s visit to the state, indicate new dawn in their relations, Assistant Editor (South-South), JOE EZUMA, reports.
Much as some Nigerians missed President Muhammadu Buhari, during his medical trip to London on January 19, 2017, there were some who saw in his absence mixed blessing for the country. The President has however returned to the country and has resumed duties.
But while he was away, the initial tension which had griped the polity over the fate of Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who was alleged to be under pressure to resign and by extension, the palpable fear over the existence of the country, was, with time, relaxed.
For one, Osinbajo who easily gained more confidence, became surefooted and somehow, introduced a paradigm shift in the conduct of government affairs, especially, in responding to the demands and actions of the people.
By his approach, Osinbajo was seen as opening avenues for constructive engagement with sections of the country, especially the South-South and the South-East.
For instance, the Vice President, on Monday, February, 13, 2017, visited Rivers state and was hosted by the governor Nyesom Wike, at the Government House Auditorium, in an interactive mood.
In Port Harcourt city and elsewhere, organised protests by labour and civil societies, which aimed at expressing the pains of Nigerians at the high cost of living, did not record any incidence. On the contrary, Osinbajo assured Nigerians that the government had heard their cry and was doing something to alleviate their pains.
To his hosts in Rivers, the Vice President reinstated Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region, adding that the administration would partner relevant stake holders to make the state economic hub of the nation.
“This is the beginning of as new partnership that will change your fortune and future of the Niger Delta region”, he told a town hall meeting of Pan Niger Delta Economic Forum.
He pledged government developmental focus to the Niger Delta and assured that the oil companies prospecting in Rivers with headquarters in Lagos, would be encourage and persuaded to relocate to the state as a first step.
In his speech, Governor Wike decried the non-presence of Federal Government projects in Rivers, arguing that it is unfair on the part of the government to deny the state of enough share of opportunities at the centre even when resources from its base sustain the nation.
He identified the issues causing tension in the state to include exploitation, lack of federal government attention, non-completion of repair work at the Port Harcourt Airport, among others.
Wike, who pledged the state government’s commitment not to quarrel with federal government, but to cooperate with it for growth and development, regretted the continued boundary problem between Rivers and some neighbouring states.
He expressed his pain over the inability of the Supreme Court to resolve the lingering crisis over the Soku Oil Wells, and its consequent referral to the Boundary Commission. He appealed to the federal government to continue to keep the proceeds from the oil wells pending the determination of the case.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, host communities’ representatives, youths and women leaders who spoke at the occasion, while expressing happiness at the new turn in the relationship between the state and the centre, renewed their historical demands for justice in the polity, just as they criticized the withdrawal of Wike’s security details by the Inspector General of Police IGP, and called for immediate replacement of same.
Chief O.C.J Okocha, former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Chairman of Rivers Elders Forum, commended what he called ”the new initiative which saw direct dealing with the Niger Delta people by the Federal government”, noting that it would catalyze development problem solution.
”In any federation, there should be a working synergy between the center and component units.’ River state does not consider itself at war with the federal government nor does it consider itself at war with her neighbors”, he declared, insisting that Wike had demonstrated loyalty to the Federal government.
Rivers state-born Niger Delta Environmental Activist, Ann-kio Briggs who drew rapturous ovation at the Town Hall meeting, emphasized that Rivers people are resolute in their struggle for rights and respect and condemned the stripping of the governor of his security aides.
Briggs warned that if the intimidating and arm twisting attitude continued, the women in the state would provide security for Wike. ”We are united in our stand on equity and justice in Rivers. The problem which breeds tension in the state is those politicians who still find it difficult to accept the people’s verdict and right to choice. My advice is for them to settle down and plan for 2019 because Rivers people are united in their stand”, she stressed.
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